On Friday (4-3), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will endorse the David Lynch Foundation's initiative to teach a million at-risk youth to meditate. The noon press conference, tied to a benefit concert this weekend at Radio City Music Hall, will be Webcast live at davidlynchfoundation.org.

You can see more about the events on the jump, including a Q&A with the ex-Beatles:

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will publicly endorse the David Lynch Foundation’s initiative to teach one million at-risk youth to meditate during a news conference at Radio City Music Hall on Friday, April 3, 12 noon (EDT). The will be joined by David Lynch, Russell Simmons, and a panel of leading doctors and educators.

Funds for the meditation initiative will be raised during the “Change Begins Within” benefit concert on Saturday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. (EDT) at Radio City. Headliner Paul McCartney will be joined special guests by Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Donovan,Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, Moby, Paul Horn, Bettye LaVette, Mike Love, and Jim James.

Pre-concert Webcast Hosted by David Lynch Foundation Television

David Lynch Foundation Television will host an exclusive 45-minute pre-concert webcast of the “Change Begins Within” benefit concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) on DLF.TV.

The pre-concert webcast will include a series of live interviews with David Lynch, concert performers and surprise guests—as well as video reports of the successes of the David Lynch Foundation’s Transcendental Meditation-based school projects in the U.S. and around the world.

The webcast will not include concert performances due to complications over music publishing rights.

Paul McCartney on the David Lynch Foundation

What is it about the goal of David Lynch’s foundation that inspired you to participate in this concert?Paul: I like the idea of bringing an ancient practice into the modern world. Who would have thought that by introducing meditation into the education system you could lower people’s aggression levels and get a more peaceful society.

You traveled to India to study with Maharishi in 1968. What was the single most important idea or experience or lesson you gained while you were there?Paul: Getting a mantra from Maharishi and then learning how to use it. The rest is up to your self. So actually, being given a mantra and being taught what to do with it was the most important aspect of the trip—the rest was great fun.

What are your recollections of Maharishi? How would you describe him?Paul: He was a very spiritual and intelligent man, but what made him so endearing to me was his infectious sense of humor.

Why do you think it is valuable for young people to meditate? What do you think they gain from the experience?Paul: I think meditation offers a moment in your day to be at peace with yourself and therefore the universe, which once was thought of as a slightly silly hippie idea, but now it’s much more accepted and even fits with some of the most advanced scientific thinking.

Any particular message you would like to share with your fans?Paul: Thanks for continuing to bother to listen to me! I wish you peace, love, and laughter.Last Updated: 04/01/09 11:49

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Comments (5)

Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken. Yoga is probably the only form of physical activity that massages each and every one of the body’s glands and organs. This includes the prostate, a gland that seldom, if ever, gets externally stimulated in one’s whole life.

It is wonderful that Paul McCartney and Ringo are coming out to support the teaching of TM in schools after all these years. They had such an influence in the past, perhaps they can do so again. TM is such a precious thing for children to do to help them at school. Thanks to all involved.

I can’t wait to see this concert and I am so happy that such a good cause is being supported by so many stars. TM is awesome and helps children develop great self-confidence, flexibility, problem solving skills, and happiness (to name just a few). Making Transcendental Meditation available to children of school age is a great idea and gives me hope for the future.

Kudos to Mr. Lynch for organizing this great concert with Paul McCartney to raise funds so that our youth can have access to Transcendental Meditation. I have seen first hand the wonderful effect Transcendental Meditation has on students and young people. They become calmer, more focused, and their grades improve too! Also their thinking and decisions are more balanced which ain’t bad either, just ask their parents! I think it’s an all around win for our children; the future leaders of our world.

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